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az_hunter, GM World Class Tech

Category: GM

Satisfied Customers: 401

Experience: 16 years GM Tech, ASE Master Certified

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2001 GMC: I need to replace the upper and lower ball joints..Cyl

Customer Question

I need to replace the upper and lower ball joints on a 2001 GMC 6 Cyl Jimmy. Need:
1. Instructions and accompanying pictures requiredto remove replace the ball joints (upper and lower)
2. A list of specialized tools required
3. The torque specs on all the fastners I will be dealing with
Can you provide?

Some of the steps are repeditive. Also count the turns out and back in on the tortion bar. Most of the time I don't unload the tortion bars and just use a long pry bar to pull down the lower control arm.

If any of this is unclear, please let me know I and will clear anything up. If the info I gave was usefull, please selsect ACCEPT ANSWER. Positive feedback is also welcome. Thanks!!

Thank you, XXXXX XXXXX up questons.
1. I see references to "unload the torsion bar" and "load the torsion bar" what does this mean and how do I do it?
2. In your instructions there are links to things like "Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement" but when I click on the links they don't work saying I'm unauthorized to access the infomation..can you provide the links to these subjects?
3. What if any special tools do I need?

The tortion bars run from the lower control arm back to crossmember half way back the vehicle. Turn the bolts counter-clock wise to unload and clock wise to load.Just don't remove the bolt all the way. But like I said, ,I just use a long bar and pry the lower control arm down. As far as special tools, none are needed. Here is the proceedure for removing the axles:

In order to prevent the drive axle from turning, insert a drift through the brake caliper and into one of the rotor vanes.

Remove the axle nut and washer.

Remove the drift from the brake rotor.

Remove the front brake rotors and support the caliper with a piece of wire in order to prevent damage to the brake hose. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.

Remove the brackets from the upper control arm holding both the ABS wire and the brake hose.

Remove the ABS bracket located on the top of the upper control arm ball joint.

Strap the frame to the hoist in order to prevent movement.

Notice: Be careful that the safety stand does not damage or bend any components it may contact.

Position a safety stand under the lower control arm.

Support the weight of the steering knuckle assembly and lower control arm with a safety stand.

Disengage the wheel drive shaft from the hub by placing a brass drift against the outer end of the drive axle in order to protect the threads. Sharply strike the brass drift with a hammer. Do not attempt to remove the axle at this time.

Support the steering knuckle and assembly with a piece of wire in order to prevent damage to the outer tie rod and ABS wire.

Disconnect the left side wheel drive shaft from the differential carrier by placing a block of wood or a brass drift against the tripot housing. Firmly strike the block of wood outward from the case with a hammer. Strike hard enough to overcome the snap ring pressure holding in the shaft.

Disconnect the right side wheel drive shaft from the differential carrier by placing a block of wood or a brass drift against the tripot housing. Firmly strike the block of wood outward from the case with a hammer. Strike hard enough to overcome the snap ring pressure holding in the shaft.

Pull the axle straight out from the differential carrier.

Support the drive axle so as not to tear the boot.

Caution: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, do not allow the weight of the vehicle to load the front wheels, or attempt to operate the vehicle, when the wheel drive shaft(s) or wheel drive shaft nut(s) are removed. To do so may cause the inner bearing race to separate, resulting in damage to brake and suspension components and loss of vehicle control.

Upon reading your response, I'm a bit confused regarding the torsion bars and what role to they play in the removal/installation of ball joints? What does it mean to unload them...does 'unloading" mean remove' what is the procedure for unloading them and how do I do this?

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